Grandmother Allegedly Strangled to Death by Her Daughter and Grandson, Police Say
A woman and her son were taken into custody for allegedly strangling and murdering an 81-year-old senior citizen at a living facility in Virginia, police said.
Cleo Loizides was reported to be found unresponsive on June 30, on the premises of the Commonwealth Senior Living Center in Norfolk, Norfolk Police shared. The first responders arrived at the facility and announced the woman to be deceased.
On July 10, officials notified the public that the death was being investigated as a homicide.
Heather A. Cummings, 53, of Hobart, Indiana, and Clifton L. Cummings, 24, have been apprehended by the authorities as suspects for Loizides' murder, Norfolk Police stated. They have been charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, on July 9, 2024. Currently, they are being held at the Norfolk City Jail without bond.
Heather Cummings has been identified as the victim's daughter, People reported.
According to the court documents obtained by local outlets, Heather Cummings has allegedly confessed to the police that she and her son killed Loizides by strangulation, WTKR reported. She reportedly shared in the confession that Clifton Cummings choked his grandmother with the strap of his bag, while Heather Cummings held the victim down.
As per the documents, the mother-son duo planned the crime well in advance and traveled to the Living Center intending to murder the victim.
While Loizides was getting strangulated her daughter's last words to her were "Just let go, it's for the best," according to the documents, People reported. Officials found marks on Loisides' neck that indicated strangulation. No reason for the murder has been made public by authorities.
The staff of Commonwealth Senior Living Center is heartbroken at losing Loizides in such a manner, People reported.
"Our staff first contacted authorities following protocols when the death occurred. We have cooperated with police throughout their investigation," Commonwealth Senior Living wrote in a statement, WTKR reported.
"This is now a police matter, and inquiries about the investigation should be directed to Norfolk City police. Commonwealth Senior Living will support prosecution and accountability to the full extent of the law."
Loizides is being mourned by her acquaintances, People reported. The 81-year-old's obituary shared that the woman was an avid reader and an animal lover. She met her late husband John while volunteering at a theatre. The obituary ended with, "Cleo’s life and legacy will be remembered by all who knew her."
Judi Evans McArthur, an old friend of Loizides reminisced about the victim after hearing about her passing from a local paper's obituaries, 13 News Now reported.
"She was funny, she had a great sense of humor," McArthur said of Loizides. "[She was] very quiet, very gentle." "It's very sad, just very sad," she continued. "I can't imagine what would cause a person to do that." She added that knowing John, he would be disappointed at his daughter's alleged actions.
Heather and Clifton Cummings are due in court on September 23, People reported. It is unclear if they have retained an attorney, or if they have filed any plea against their charges.